Edopt-a-cow

“The farmer has to be an optimist or he wouldn't still be a farmer.” - Will Rogers

I think everyone who knows me understands my love for the agricultural industry. I grew up in it and feel like it made me who I am today. I can't really even explain all of the experiences, lessons, friendships, and opportunities being involved in the industry has provided me. I would love to end up working in ag policy or practicing ag law one day!

There are a lot of alarming statistics about American agriculture. One of the most alarming is the idea that Americans are currently two to three generations removed from the fram. Another is that less than 2% of Americans are involved in production agriculture. (Sound like an FFA speech to anyone??) :)

Those of us who are in the industry must find a way to educate the public about farming and ranching and our way of life. My friend Crystal (I even did that in K-State purple just for you!) recently wrote about this on her blog and I thought it was great.

A third generation family-owned dairy farm in Alabama has started an "Edopt-a-cow" program. This allows people to go online to their website, http://www.gilmerdairyfarm.com/edoptacow.html and adopt cow. You get monthly updates about your cow to let you know how she's doing, how her production is, when she is ready to calve and other tidbits. They also send you a certificate of adoption and a picture of the cow. They even have videos of the cows up on You Tube that explain what their lives are like at the dairy.

This type of public relations approach is a great idea and something that agriculturists need to consider. The more people are educated about our industry and the more they understand, the more they will be able to support us. And hey, who doesn't want to see You Tube videos of farm animal fun?